A second home where little hearts and big ideas grow.
At Happy Heart, we believe the first five years shape a lifetime. Through play-rich discovery, mindful socialization, and warm guidance, we empower curious infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to explore their world with confidence.
Designed for hands-on, unhurried childhood experiences.
Rooted in Kindness & Curiosity
Happy Heart began in 1997 and has since then served many families from Malden, Melrose, Wakefield, Somerville and other cities.
Our Origins
Growing up in a large family with many siblings, caring for little ones has been a meaningful part of my life from an early age. With a natural love for children and years of experience babysitting, I decided to turn my passion into a home-based daycare where children can feel safe, loved, and truly part of a family. My goal is to create a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels cared for, valued, and at home.
Play-Based Philosophy
We believe that children learn best through playing. We blend play-based curiosity with structured routines. . We don’t rush children into rigid desk learning; we cultivate literacy, math fundamentals, and empathy through tangible exploration, stories, and cooperative play.
A Home Away From Home
We believe that children thrive when they feel safe, loved, and connected. Our home-based daycare provides a warm, welcoming environment where every child is known, valued, and cared for as an individual. We create a sense of belonging through meaningful relationships, familiar routines, and plenty of opportunities to explore, grow, and build confidence. More than just a place to spend the day, we strive to create a second home where children can feel comfortable being themselves, make lasting friendships, and grow at their own pace.
Meet Our Lead Educator
Wahiba Touati
With almost three decades of experience in early childhood development, Wahiba is a fully certified educator whose warmth and patience set the tone for her classroom. She brings an unwavering dedication to every stage of a child’s early years, pairing professional expertise with genuine compassion. Wahiba is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where young learners feel secure, valued, and excited to explore the world around them each day.
- Pediatric CPR & AED Certified
- Trilingual (English & French & Arabic)
Immersive Daily Rhythm
Predictable structure that gives little ones freedom within comforting boundaries.
Morning Hearth & Circle Time
Welcoming songs, emotional check-ins, weather observations, and introducing our "Word of the Day".
Sensory & Creative Discovery
Messy clay modeling, non-toxic finger paints, water play, and fine-motor puzzle work.
Outdoor & Yard Play
Gross-motor exploration, ball play, walks, nature observations, and insect hunts.
Nourish & Restorative Rest
Family-style nutritious warm lunch followed by gentle nap/quiet book time.
Story, STEM & Light Builders
Interactive storytime, magnetic tiles, block towers, and role plays.
Music, Movement & Goodbye Play
Sing-alongs, toddler yoga stretches, open-ended free choice bins, and parent pickups.
Inside Our Spaces
Warm wood tones, natural lighting, and purposeful play zones designed to calm and stimulate.
Non-toxic, open-ended wooden building materials
Washable easels, clay stations, and drying racks
Cheerful classroom with child-sized furniture, vibrant displays, and picture books
Enclosed safe playground with sensory pathways
Hours & Operating Calendar
We provide consistent schedules to assist working families while keeping days sustainable for toddlers.
- Core Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Gentle Drop-Off: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
- Afternoon Pickup: 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Closed: Weekends and Federal Holidays
Part-Time & Full-Time
Choose between our 5-day comprehensive program or exploratory discussed schedule.